National Basketball Association

Spurs' Ginobili still out but may return Saturday

Published Nov. 1, 2012 10:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili was again ruled out for Thursday night's game against Oklahoma City because of a back problem. He could make his season debut this weekend.

Ginobili didn't play in San Antonio's season-opening win Wednesday at New Orleans and missed half the preseason because of back problems. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Ginobili ''is really close'' but is taking precautions with his 35-year-old star who hasn't practiced for much of the past week.

Popovich said Ginobili could play Saturday against Utah.